Mayor Discusses July Fourth Fireworks

Its goes without saying that putting on the annual fourth of July fireworks this year was a major headache for the Cumberland Mayor and City Council- and Mayor Brian Grim says every effort will be made to see that the same issues do not crop up next year. The problems began several months ago when it was learned that a new state fire marshal’s law made a change in location for the fireworks- which have been held at Constitution Park for decades. After conducted a search, the city selected Bishop Walsh School as the new site- however the fireworks company could not come to terms on insurance issues with the Arch Diocese- and at the last minute it was determined that site could not be used. The city announced late in the day of July 3rd that the fireworks would be moved back to Constitution Park- albeit at a different location, about 100 yards from the traditional launch site. That action however forced the city to close the park and the park swimming pool for the holiday. In addition, residents in that area complained about fireworks debris landing on their properties. Mayor Grim, on WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show”, acknowledged that this year’s process was far from ideal- and he assured city residents that next year will be different…